Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill
I had a really great conversation with “Scioban” from the Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill. A very busy lady, she’s in a state of perpetual motion almost every day, being the General Manager and the main overseer of the Boatyard. She’s been working since she was 15, putting herself through school but not really having a vision of working in the restaurant business. That really supports my theory that what you went to college for might be the total opposite of what you REALLY want to do and where your passions lie.
Scioban took over her domain at the Boatyard on Memorial Weekend of 2010 and hasn’t stopped working long and hard since. She is passionate about what she does. Besides being in charge of hiring and firing, Scioban oversees any changes in the menu and adds them to their website at www.boatyardwaterfrontgrill.com. You’ll also find their complete menu and pictures of the beautiful waterfront backdrop. She also does maintenance, books the music gigs at the Boatyard, and manages the catering. I was getting exhausted just hearing about what Scioban’s daily schedule is like! 
We talked about the staff. Right now most have been there since she came in 2010, and she has that rare contentment in knowing the staff works really well together. They have a good foundation and know the importance of treating the clientele with respect at all times. So, coming to work is a big job but having staff you’re confident in makes the job easier. People often use the banquet service, where Scioban can handle parties up to 70 people for anniversaries, graduations, birthdays and rehearsal dinners.
The Boatyard has live music and dancing…..call for the schedule One of their favorite bands is Democracy, a reggae band that has a strong following. When I asked Scioban what people’s favorite dishes are, she says the ribs and jambalaya. If you haven’t eaten at the Boatyard and been taken in by the view, it’s the best water view in the area. They have weekly specials and your favorite adult beverages.
When I thanked Scioban for her time she said to tell everyone that the Boatyard is Pet Friendly. I giggled. It’s the first time a restaurateur ever said that and I think it just shows you what a friendly place the Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill is. If you’ve never been there, treat yourself to a wonderful experience: great food, dancing under the stars and taking in the very best view of the Little Sarasota Bay, beautiful boats and of course the Dolphins! The Boatyard Waterfront Grill is open seven days a week. They are located at 1500 Stickney Point Boulevard in Sarasota. Call for reservations at 941 921-6200.